“Circumstance does not make the man, it reveals him.” – James Allen
As we go through our weeks, there are always little things that happen to bring us down, upset our daily routine or cause us to grumble. Maybe the person in front of us is driving well below the speed limit or we haven’t seen our waiter in quite a while or our morning paper arrives on its own schedule. If we allow ourselves to dwell on these minor irritations, what happens each and every time? Our focus remains fixed on that unpleasant situation and the aggravation in turn grows and grows. “What you focus on grows and is where you spend your time.”
Over the past few weeks, there has been a growing murmur of displeasure in a local neighborhood due to the disappearance and misplacement of the daily paper. Previously, every morning before the sun came up the morning paper had arrived, placed squarely in the middle of the driveway and not too close to the road. All was right with the world (regarding the paper delivery at least). Approximately two weeks ago, the paper was not delivered to some and arrived at others in the wrong spot throughout the subdivision. The discussions began on the sidewalk, in the cul-de-sac, at the clubhouse…”what has happened to our paper carrier? Don’t they know we pay our bills for a service? There is certainly no service taking place recently.” Soon from those discussions began emails back and forth and calls to the Complaint department at the paper. Maybe they could have used this quote..”Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.” – Lillian Dickson
Around week 3, a letter arrived in each and every one of their mailboxes.
Hello! Allow me to apologize for any inconveniences you may have encountered in the last several weeks. All measures are being taken to ensure any issues are being resolved as quickly as possible.
On January 3rd, my sister Cyndi lost her husband, suddenly and tragically, hence her sudden departure from the route. She has small children and has given you excellent service for 3 years, and would never have left without extenuating circumstances being in play. Some have sent condolences which are much appreciated.
There were substitutes covering the route but I have now taken over and I am trying to learn the route and correct any mistakes made. I appreciate your patience during this transition. It is much easier for me to correct mistakes if you contact me directly so I have placed my contact information below. Also if you have special instructions for me, please feel free to let me know and I will do my best to comply.
I look forward to getting your route back to the excellent service you have become accustomed to in the very near future.
Can you imagine what the neighbors began to think and even feel after receiving that letter?
Our words and thoughts are powerful and have the ability to build up or tear down. The paper that didn’t arrive or arrived in the wrong spot had a person connected to it, someone with a story. Next time you get that familiar feeling of displeasure or irritation, stop and think that there is a real person involved with some aspect of your experience. If you have the opportunity, uncover their story, but if not breathe and know that “life is not the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes a difference. -Virginia Satir
